#BalkansDebrief: Recent Episodes
Europe Center
BalkansDebrief is an online interview series presented by the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center and hosted by journalist Ilva Tare.
The program offers a fresh look at the Western Balkans and examines the region’s people, culture, challenges, and opportunities.
Follow along on Twitter @ACEurope with #BalkansDebrief.
Ilva Tare, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, sits down with Majlinda Bregu, the outgoing Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, in this compelling #BalkansDebrief episode to discuss the current challenges of the region’s integration and cooperation as well as the gap between signing regional agreements and their actual implementation. Bregu highlights pressing issues such as the recognition of professional qualifications and the freedom of movement with ID cards, emphasizing that the effectiveness of these agreements relies heavily on the commitment of regional leaders to take action beyond ceremonial signings.
Bregu explains the Common Regional Market (CRM) 2.0 goals and its critical role in aligning with EU integration, by enhancing economic cooperation and convergence and paving the way for smoother entry into the EU’s single market.
She also addresses the Western Balkans' pressing security and economic challenges, revealing how rising inflation, increasing costs, and corruption are creating distress for citizens and businesses. Moreover, Bregu warns that non-economic concerns, particularly the region's troubling depopulation and ongoing disputes, are emerging as significant security threats.
A last-minute breakthrough enabled the Western Balkans to sign key regional cooperation agreements at the Berlin Process Summit on October 14 of 2024. This was thanks to the skilled diplomacy of Manuel Sarrazin, Germany’s Special Representative for the Western Balkans, and the political will of regional leaders.
In a crucial compromise, Kosovo agreed to lift its ban on Serbian imports at the Merdare crossing. As part of the deal, Germany and its allies pledged to provide advanced scanners to enhance security at Kosovo-Serbia borders, a necessary step that has yet to be implemented.
Ilva Tare, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, sat down with Manuel Sarrazin to discuss the complexities of these negotiations. Sarrazin shares how he played a pivotal role in persuading Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, to lift the ban—a move vital to unblocking CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement) and advancing the Berlin Process.
Sarrazin also speaks about the security concerns that arose, particularly in light of the recent Banjska incident, and how Germany’s offer to provide scanners is part of a broader effort to bolster both trade and border security.
While the situation at the border remains fragile, with ongoing security concerns, Sarrazin emphasizes that the political capital Germany has invested, alongside the EU and the US, is creating momentum for deeper regional cooperation and economic progress.
As the Berlin Process celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024, over 115 organizations gathered at the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum on October 9-11 this year to raise alarms about shrinking civic spaces, threats to democracy, and rising intimidation across the Western Balkans.
In this insightful episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare, Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, speaks with Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute, and Klodjan Seferaj, Program Manager at the Open Society Foundation Western Balkans, about the forum’s key recommendations and the uncertain future of the Berlin Process writ large—including where the next summit will take place and the adjustments needed to maintain its relevance.
What are the biggest challenges for civil society in the Western Balkans today? How are governments responding to concerns about the rule of law, democracy, and civic spaces? And what can be done to hold them more accountable?
Watch now for expert analysis on the future of the Berlin Process. #BalkansDebrief #BerlinProcess #WesternBalkans #CivilSociety #Democracy
Cyber-attacks are on the rise in the Western Balkans, with 1.2 million personal records exposed to data breaches and a 200% surge in ransomware attacks over the past two years. Businesses across the region have paid millions of euros to recover compromised data, and 75% of companies report facing phishing attacks. Cyber-actors are exploiting internal ethnic tensions to target reconciliation efforts, while disinformation campaigns undermine democracy, destabilize institutions, and disrupt daily life.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, sits down with Ramadan Ilazi from the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies and Filip Stojanovski, Director of Partnerships at Metamorphosis in North Macedonia. Together, they delve into the cybersecurity vulnerabilities threatening the region’s political and economic stability, examining the implications for critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens.
The discussion tackles key questions, including how cyberattacks are being used to advance political agendas, the impact of emerging technologies like AI and the Internet of Things, and the gaps in regional cooperation. They also explore how the Western Balkans can strengthen its integration into the EU’s cybersecurity framework, including the role of ENISA in supporting regional efforts.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, this conversation highlights the urgent need for a resilient digital future in the Western Balkans, from workforce development to bolstering regional collaboration. Tune in for expert insights on navigating one of the region's most critical challenges.
Following the significant power shift in North Macedonia’s May 8 elections, the VRMO-DPMNE party, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski faces a complex landscape.
Six renowned experts have crafted a strategy brief for the Atlantic Council, outlining crucial recommendations for the new government, including democratic reforms, the fight against corruption, economic revitalization, EU integration, and addressing rising ethnic tensions.
Resident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare engages in a conversation with three of the policy brief’s authors to discuss the country’s reform agenda.
Key questions include: What economic and political implications arise from the loan exceeding half a billion loan from Hungary? What strategies does the government have to address the fiscal deficit?
Why is there little optimism for immediate Constitutional changes and how could this impact the center-right government?
How will the citizens’ frustration with the stalled EU integration process be addressed to progress with EU accession?
What are the potential consequences for the country’s democracy amidst the Ethno-nationalist narrative following recent ethnic tensions?
The European Union's recent memorandum of understanding with Serbia on raw materials has sparked debate across the Balkans. Signed during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit, the MoU revives a controversial lithium mining project, drawing opposition from many Serbians. In this episode, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined by Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences and Head of Europe’s Futures Project in Vienna, to dissect this complex issue. Does Mr. Vejvoda share the criticism that the EU and Germany are prioritizing lithium access in Serbia over essential democratic principles like environmental protection, rule of law, and independent media? With concerns about weak independent institutions and a critical public sphere in Serbia, can the country uphold high environmental and social standards? How can the EU ensure that such agreements maintain rigorous environmental and social principles? Could this agreement reduce Serbia’s reliance on China, and what might be the broader geopolitical implications? Join #BalkansDebrief for an in-depth discussion on the potential impacts of this deal and the geoeconomic and geopolitical interests of the EU in the Western Balkans.
Why should Europe focus on the Balkans? What are the potential opportunities and challenges for EU enlargement and the Growth Plan for this region?
Join Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare in this episode of #BalkansDebrief as she interviews Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy and current President of the Institut Jacques Delors. With his extensive experience in European Union affairs and his recent influential report on the future of the Single Market, Mr. Letta provides deep insights into the necessary reforms for successful EU enlargement.
In this episode, Mr. Letta discusses his advocacy for the "Regatta Method" over the "Big Bang" approach for EU enlargement, emphasizing the importance of allowing each country to join when ready rather than waiting for the slowest in the region. He also elaborates on his proposed blueprint for EU enlargement success, which includes critical reforms such as on veto rules and the creation of a “solidarity enlargement facility.”
Discover the future of the EU and the vital steps needed to integrate the six Western Balkan countries into the new Single Market, as envisioned by Enrico Letta, a staunch advocate of enlargement in the Western Balkans.
For decades, the United States and Serbia have engaged in a delicate diplomatic dance. Recently, Serbian think tank representatives visited Washington, DC, for critical talks with US policymakers.
Their agenda? Navigating the complexities of Serbia's democratic health and evolving foreign policy, including unpacking its shifting alliances with Russia and China, and how these relationships impact Serbia's aspirations for membership in the European Union (EU).
Ilva Tare is joined in this episode of #BalkansDebrief by Igor Bandovic, Director of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, and Nikola Burazer, Program Director at the Center for Contemporary Politics, to discuss their main concerns regarding Serbia’s state of democracy, nationalistic rhetoric, and dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
What are the top foreign policy and security challenges facing Serbia currently?
The All-Serb Assembly reignited nationalist sentiment across the region. How significant is this, and what potential consequences could it have for Serbia and regional stability?
Football and politics are deeply intertwined, especially in the Balkans, where the mix can be volatile. At the UEFA Euro Cup in Germany this year, nationalistic chants and provocative acts highlighted the ongoing tensions among Balkan nations. Serbia, Albania, and Croatia clashed not only in the stadiums but also in a display of ethnic rivalries. In this episode Ilva Tare is joined by Florian Bieber, a renowned historian and professor at the University of Graz, specializing in inter-ethnic relations and nationalism in the Balkans. They discuss the complex role of football as both a catalyst for rivalry and a potential bridge for unity in the region. How does football act as a double-edged sword, fueling both rivalry and potentially fostering unity in the Balkans? How do nationalistic rhetoric and historical narratives shape the current tensions? Can the younger generations break the cycle of resentment, or are they destined to inherit past grievances? What role can they play in reconciliation? Given the political landscape, is peace in the Balkans a realistic goal? What concrete steps can governments and the international community take to foster stability? Join #BalkansDebrief for a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of football, nationalism, and the quest for peace and reconciliation in the Balkans.
The recent International Republican Institute (IRI) poll on the Western Balkans has revealed some concerning trends for the region's aspirations of joining the European Union. While the war in Ukraine presented a potential opening, the path to membership appears to be facing significant challenges.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined by Amila Karačić, Director of Programs of IRI in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also oversees the Western Balkans regional programs, to discuss the main takeaways of the poll conducted in the six countries.
Is there evidence that pro-Russian narratives are gaining traction outside of Serbia?
Why are citizens in the Western Balkans less likely to push for political change, despite wanting EU integration? How deep is their distrust in politicians and institutions?
Why does it seem that citizens prefer strongman leaders despite their potential to undermine the path towards the EU?
Is nationalism a concern in the region? In which country is it most pronounced?
The Western Balkans stand at a pivotal moment. Regional stability, security, and prosperity require a more robust US engagement. EU accession remains the goal but simmering ethnic tensions and resurgent nationalism demand a comprehensive US strategy that includes specific and actionable commitments.
In the light of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine that has shaken European security foundations, how can the US enhance its collaboration with the EU to develop a unified approach regarding the future of the Western Balkans?
Ilva Tare, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, discusses with outgoing US Deputy Assistant Secretary and Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, at the end of his term, the most pressing issues for the region’s EU prospects, the challenges with corruption and economic growth, and the main concerns for increased tension and risks for stability.
Tare asks DAS Escobar if prioritizing the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities on the normalization dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia was the most effective strategy, and what is the path forward on this issue?
Is the US considering alternative approaches towards Serbia to achieve progress on EU alignment, especially after the composition of the new government?
Can the US prevent a fracturing of the fragile peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
How concerning is Russian influence in the Western Balkans? Specific questions on Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania will also be covered in this #BalkansDebrief episode.
As the May 8th runoff looms, the people of North Macedonia are gearing up for a pivotal parliamentary election that will chart the nation’s course towards European Union integration, alongside the decisive second round of the presidential election. The outcomes are anticipated to signal a shift in the electorate’s mood, reflecting their discontent with the stalled EU accession progress since the 2019 name change and the tensions with Bulgaria over demanded constitutional amendments.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare and political analyst Aleksej Demjanski, editor of the MacedonianMatters newsletter, discuss in this episode of #BalkanasDebrief the significance of these elections for North Macedonia’s European aspirations.
They will explore what Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s lead in the presidential election’s first round, securing 40.1% of the votes, reveals about the public’s appetite for change. The conversation will also cover the core messages and strategies of the incumbent SDSM party’s campaign, as well as the resonating themes of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE’s efforts, and how they align with the citizen’s concerns.
Furthermore, the conversation will cover the potential post-election alliances. Could we witness a coalition between VMRO-DPMNE, ZNAM, and VLEN, or will the SDSM and DUI maintain their coalition? How will the political landscape and impact North Macedonia’s EU path?
The Western Balkans remain a security concern, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recently, France has deployed a battalion as part of the Strategic Reserve Force to assist the EUFOR mission and exercise a level of deterrence in Bosnia and Kosovo, two countries with security issues, where France wants to see progress.
Ilva Tare, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Europe Center, discusses regional security issues with Alexandre Vulic, Deputy Director General for Strategic Affairs, International Security, and Arms Control at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Why does France consider the situation in Bosnia as stable yet fragile? What are the main concerns that threaten security in the region? How do cybersecurity, disinformation, and false narratives affect the Western Balkans? And how can France counter Russia’s influence, which is exercised via proxies and nationalist forces?
With the Ukraine war underscoring security risks in the Western Balkans, the United Kingdom has doubled down on its commitment to the region's stability. In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Lord Stuart Peach, the UK’s Special Envoy for the region.
Tare asks Lord Peach about the reasons for optimism and pessimism in the region. How do the old issues such as nationalism, Russian influence, and a media landscape rife with misinformation impact the lives of citizens, particularly the younger generation? Why is the UK prioritizing reconciliation efforts in the Balkans?
What are the UK's expectations for the ongoing dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia? What concrete steps should the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti take to achieve progress? How concerned is the UK about calls for secession of the Republika Srpska by Milorad Dodik? Why are free and fair elections crucial for the EU aspirations of the Western Balkan countries?
North Macedonia, a small nation of 2 million, in the Western Balkans, gained international attention in 2019, when it agreed to the seemingly impossible: changing its name in exchange for EU negotiations and NATO membership. While NATO membership was secured, EU accession talks have stalled for years. This is largely due to Bulgaria’s demand for Constitutional changes recognizing a Bulgarian minority.
For North Macedonians, Sofia’s veto was a bitter pill to swallow resulting in public support for the EU dropping sharply, according to surveys. On May 8, the country faces critical elections that will decide its future in relation to the EU.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare sits down will Marko Troshanovski, President of the Institute for Democracy, to discuss the importance of the elections and the key issues debated by the main two opposing political camps.
Can the North Macedonian public regain trust in the EU accession process? What do the surveys suggest about the winner of the political elections? How will a potential victory by the center-right VRMNO-DPMNE opposition affect the country’s foreign policy and its EU path? What role will Albanian parties play in the winning coalition? How should the new government address the problem of corruption?
Kosovo’s recent ban on the dinar, aimed by the Kurti government at curbing illegal cash flow, has sparked tensions with US and the European partners and raised concerns about its impact on the Kosovo Serb community, on the normalization dialogue with Serbia, and Kosovo’s wider relationship with its Western allies.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare discusses the reasons behind this controversial move with two esteemed guests; Arian Zeka, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo and Dragisa Mijacic Executive Director of InTER Institute for Territorial Economic Development.
Key questions:
Why did the Central Bank of Kosovo announce the euro-only policy on February 1st?
How does this decision impact the daily lives of Kosovo’s Serb community considering pensions and welfare concerns raised by the local NGO’s?
Should Westerns partners have been consulted by the Kosovo government before the ban?
What are the potential implications for US-Kosovo relations after the call to reverse the ban?
Can the Association of the Serb Majority Municipalities address the issue of financing and dinar use, as some suggest?
2024 has already plunged the Western Balkans into a maelstrom of complex developments. Serbia's post-election protests, the precarious Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, and the Kremlin-aligned Dodik's paramilitary parade all raise critical questions about the region's stability.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare, Europe Center's Nonresident Senior Fellow, welcomes Damir Kapidžić, Political Scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Sarajevo, and a Weatherhead Visiting Scholar at Harvard. Together, they dissect the critical crossroads facing the region as U.S. and EU elections loom on the horizon.
Key questions: How will the new U.S. and EU administrations engage with the Balkans? Can the region still harbor hopes for progress towards EU membership? And how can the newly proposed EU Growth Plan translate from promises into tangible advancements, paving the way towards economic integration?
As 2024 dawns, the Balkans cling to a fragile dream: EU membership. But the region and the Union itself are beset by internal tremors. From simmering protests in Serbia to looming threats and economic storms, the region braces for a year of turbulence. Can they emerge resilient from this crucible?
Ilva Tare, Nonresident Senior Fellow, delves into these questions and more with Ivan Krastev, chair of the Center for Liberal Strategies and Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna.
Krastev casts a cautious eye on EU reform prospects, outlining potential timelines and highlighting the factors that could determine success or failure. He also analyzes how the November US elections might reshape Washington's engagement with the Balkans, with implications for the region as a whole and, in particular, the fragile Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.
From unexpected twists in the electoral landscape to the ever-shifting sands of regional politics, this year promises to be a rollercoaster. Tune in to hear Krastev’s insights into the key forces at play and why the Balkans and not only, are poised for a turbulent year.
Serbia witnessed a tumultuous end to 2023, with protests erupting in Belgrade following the December 17th elections. Thousands demand the annulment, alleging President Vučić's Progressive Party fabricated results through cross-border voting. Despite claiming a "cleanest and most honest" victory, international observers have condemned widespread fraud and manipulation. The West, has been criticized for turning a blind eye to Vučić's actions. But with renewed protests and whispers of regional conflict, will the honeymoon end?
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Rasa Nedeljkov, Program Director of the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability which has monitored closely the election with particular focus on the capital, Belgrade.
International observers have condemned the irregularities, while Brussels and Washington demand a response from the government. What role can the international community play in mitigating these tensions? How should the West engage moving forward? Were the alleged manipulations significant enough to alter the outcome? If a rerun were to occur, particularly in Belgrade, could a different outcome be anticipated?
A sigh of relief, perhaps even cautious optimism, has swept across the Western Balkans. The EU Council's decision to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, alongside a conditional green light for Bosnia and Herzegovina, signals renewed engagement with the region. But is this truly a new dawn, or just a flicker of light in persistent uncertainty?
The stakes are high, with implications for political stability, economic growth, and ultimately, the future of the Western Balkan six countries.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Atlantic Council Europe Center's Balkans Forward team: Maja Piscevic, Amb. Cameron Munter, and Valbona Zeneli.
Will the renewed EU enlargement commitment mark the long-awaited entry point for the Balkans onto the European stage? While the Council's decision marks a step forward, is it enough to sustain the momentum for Western Balkan accession, or are there still significant hurdles to overcome before reaching the European stage? Will the EU reform the enlargement process, and how possible is it to achieve the ambitious goal of doubling the region’s economic growth in a decade?
In a groundbreaking agreement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Albanian counterpart Edi Rama have agreed to establish a migrant processing center in Albania. The center will be funded by Italy and operate under Italian jurisdiction.
This unprecedented move, with funding from Italy and operation under Italian jurisdiction, has sparked a heated debate, raising concerns about its adherence to international and European legal frameworks governing asylum rights. While the European Commission has maintained that the deal does not contravene EU asylum law, human rights groups remain wary of its potential impact on the rights of migrants.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Instituto Affari Internazionali in Italy, about the political and social implications of this agreement.
Will this deal set a precedent for other EU member states to outsource their asylum processing to non-EU countries or aspiring EU candidates? What are the primary concerns surrounding the effective implementation of the agreement? And could this approach serve as a potential solution to the escalating migration flows reaching EU shores?
Kosovo’s government’s accepted the US-backed EU draft for the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM), a positive move towards normalizing Serbia-Kosovo relations. However, the questions remain on how to ensure the ASM’s implementation. Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Kosovo, Jeffrey M. Hovenier says it is crucial to move forward with the ASM and to not get caught up in formalities. This stance was echoed by Prime Minister Albin Kurti regarding Serbia’s refusal to sign the EU’s draft agreement. What institutions will be created as part of the ASM? What are the possible consequences for Kosovo and Serbia if there is a further delay in the ASM’s implementation? How will US-Kosovo relationship look in the case of a successful normalization dialogue?
After four and a half months of negotiations, a new pro-EU government led by the "Europe Now" leader, Milojko Spajic, was voted in by Parliament. The government includes a coalition of pro-European and pro-Serbian parties. In reaction to the appointment of Andrija Mandic, head of a pro-Serb and pro-Russia alliance called "For a Better Montenegro," protests emerged in Podgorica.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, speaks to political analyst and the director of the Institute for SocioPolitical Research - Analitico, Ana Nenezic.
How will the new government be able to reconcile the presence of pro-Russian figures in the government with their pro-EU goals? Will this be a stable government? What does the new government composition mean for Russia and Serbia in the NATO member country?
The European Parliament's (EP) resolution condemning Serbia's actions in northern Kosovo marks a significant development in the ongoing crisis between the two countries. The resolution calls for a freeze on funding for the Serbian government if it is found to have been directly involved in the recent attack in Banjska.
In a debrief with Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare, Viola von Cramon, a member of the EP Foreign Affairs Committee and the Rapporteur on Kosovo, discusses the implications of the resolution and the EU's role in ensuring that Serbia cooperates fully with the investigation into the Banjska attack.
What measures can the EU implement to guarantee Serbia's unconditional cooperation in the investigation of the Banjska attack? Why is time of the essence to swiftly resume the EU-led dialogue and achieve normalization between Kosovo and Serbia?
The recent murder of a Kosovar Albanian police officer by dozens of Serbian gunmen in the north of Kosovo is a reminder of the increasing security concerns between the two nations and the region at large. Given that the EU-led Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue for comprehensive normalization has reached a dead end, how should the international community respond to the violence and reconvene a dialogue?
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare discusses the course of action for international engagement in the region with British MP Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, UK House of Commons. Kearns has been pushing for a more robust international response to prevent further escalation with improved deterrence measures.
What is the future of the normalization dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo? How will the EU respond to Serbia’s role in the attack in northern Kosovo led by Kosovo Serb Milan Radoicic? What actions can the UK and the international community at large take to promote inter-ethnic understanding in Kosovo? Should Kosovo uphold its commitment to implement the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM)?
The war in Ukraine has renewed interest in EU enlargement in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. The Berlin Process, which has been working to revitalize ties between Western Balkan candidate countries and the EU for the last 10 years, is now seeing its efforts pay off.
The 2023 Tirana Civil Society and Think Tank Forum is playing a key role in the conversation on EU Enlargement into the Balkans. The forum, organized by the Open Society Foundation Western Balkans (OSF-WB), the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), and the Cooperation & Development Institute (CDI) as part of the Berlin Summit, will be held in Albania on October 14th–15th. Regional experts will gather to develop strategies for cooperation, accelerated EU reforms, and accession processes.
In this episode of BalkansDebrief, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare and Western Balkans Executive Director of the Open Society Foundation Andi Dobrushi discuss the importance of holding Western Balkan governments and EU member states accountable for their commitments to candidate countries’ EU reforms as well as the role of civil society in the Western Balkans enlargement process.
What role can civil society organizations play in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the region? How can civil society and think tank experts hold decision-makers accountable and influence the direction of Western Balkans accession processes?
As the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels faces a critical juncture, the pressing question arises: How do we navigate this impasse?
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare talks to two civil society leaders, Milica Andric Rakic, program manager at the New Social Initiative, and Shpetim Gashi, Vice President of the Council for Inclusive Governance, to discuss steps needed for integrating the Serb community in the north of Kosovo.
In their op-ed for the New Atlanticist, Gashi and Andric Rakic proposed delinking the issue of integration from the broader status dispute between Kosovo and Serbia. How feasible is this approach? What role can the international community play in facilitating a resolution to the crisis in Kosovo?
Ahead of a crucial vote to amend its constitution, Skopje’s political landscape remains sharply divided. The current government strongly supports the changes, which will add language in recognition of the country's Bulgarian minority, while the opposition remains vehemently opposed. Even a pro-amendment campaign by EU and US diplomats has yet to tip the scales in favor of the amendment's adoption.
Just as the country voted to change its name before becoming a NATO member, adopting this constitutional amendment is considered to be North Macedonia’s exclusive path to EU membership. The government is therefore engaging in an open dialogue with opposition members in the hopes that a difficult compromise can be reached for the sake of progress.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to the Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Maricikj on the pressing questions surrounding North Macedonia’s accession to the EU. What is the public's sentiment regarding the constitutional changes, and are North Macedonian politicians prepared to make tough choices to further EU integration? Does Skopje’s government have any contingency plans in case the amendment is defeated by the Parliament? How credible is the indicative date of 2030 as the deadline for accession of the Western Balkan countries?
The Berlin Process, led by EU member states under German leadership, was revitalized last year to promote economic regional cooperation among the Western Balkans' six countries. Albania currently holds the chairmanship of the Berlin Summit, which is scheduled for October 16 in Tirana, with the participation of EU leaders.
Ahead of the summit, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews Dr. Odeta Barbullushi, advisor to Albania's Prime Minister on European issues and regional cooperation.
Central to the Berlin Process is the ambitious "Common Regional Market," which aims to enhance economic convergence and potentially achieve a growth rate of 6-7% of the region's GDP. While the EU remains the primary trading partner for the Western Balkans countries, the region's economic potential remains untapped.
The expectations of the Western Balkans countries for the Berlin Summit are high. Will the Western Balkan countries receive substantial EU funding to support regional connectivity in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, digital, and cyber security? What is the US stance in supporting and promoting security and economic cooperation in the region?
Benefits of regional economic integration| A debrief with Stefan Lazarevic and Enio Jaco
Home to 18 million people in the heart of Europe, the Western Balkans have enormous potential to catalyze economic growth through greater market openness. Ongoing regional cooperation efforts aim to address economic challenges such as high rates of unemployment and poverty, issues regarding corruption and upholding the rule of law, and stemming the region’s “brain drain” and resulting labor shortages.
Recent events are also pushing EU leaders to recognize the importance of the Western Balkans to EU security. As a result, there has been a shift towards expediting the enlargement process, including early access to the EU single market and pre-accession funds to support economic reforms and transformative projects.
In this episode, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to the President of American Chamber of Commerce of Serbia Stefan Lazarevic and President of American Chamber of Commerce of Albania Enio Jaco on the region’s business climate. Are international investors attracted by the potential that the region holds as a common market? What are their main challenges, and why call for more cooperation to remove barriers and decrease political polarization?
Following snap parliamentary elections on June 11th, Montenegro finds itself in a new phase of political uncertainty. The Europe Now Movement (PES) won a plurality of the vote but failed to secure enough seats to form a government. More alarmingly, voter turnout hit a historic low of 56.4 percent due in part to election fatigue and a lack of political change. Now more than ever, the country needs consensus if it is to continue necessary reforms on its path to EU membership.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare discusses the post-election political landscape in Montenegro with Petar Popovic, associate professor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb.
Will these elections bring the political stability Montenegro requires? Who are potential allies for leading contender PES to form a governing coalition? What factors depressed voter turnout? Finally, what lies in store for former President Djukanovic after dominating Montenegrin political life for over three decades?
Will Kosovo and Serbia make concessions towards normalization? A debrief with Sen. Chris Murphy
After the recent escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, Senator Murphy played a crucial role in urging for de-escalation between Kosovo and Serbia. Thanks to broad bipartisan support in the US Senate, both Serbia and Kosovo were called upon to address the fragile security situation in the north and resume the normalization dialogue facilitated by the EU and supported by the United States.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Hon. Chris Murphy, United States Senator (D-CT), to discuss his recent trip to the region, the messages he delivered to the leaders in Pristina and Belgrade, and the concessions that Kosovo and Serbia should make in order to progress on their respective paths.
How does he view Kosovo's concerns about an unbalanced response by the US and the EU, placing the main responsibility on Kosovo for the crisis in the north? What role could the Association of the Serb Majority Municipalities play in achieving a meaningful resolution? How do the protests in Belgrade and the recent reports on his connections with organized hooligans affect the credibility of Serbia's President Vučić?
What’s behind the escalation in Kosovo? A debrief with Jovana Radosavljevic and Agon Maliqi
Violent protests in the north of Kosovo have escalated the situation, leaving 50 KFOR troops wounded when newly elected Albanian mayors entered the municipality buildings in areas with a Serbian majority, protected by an increased presence of Kosovo police. NATO has deployed 700 additional troops to ensure territorial security.
The decision of Kosovo's Prime Minister to deploy the new mayors in the municipality buildings in the north has led to growing international frustration, causing the Pristina government to alienate strategic allies, including the United States and key members of the European Union. The United States has urged Kosovo's PM to de-escalate the situation by withdrawing the police and relocating the mayors to alternative buildings.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Jovana Radosavljevic, a Kosovo Serb who resides in the north of Kosovo and the Executive Director of the New Social Initiative, and to Agon Maliqi, an analyst from Kosovo.
What steps should be taken to calm the situation and restore the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia? Why are the Kosovo Serbs protesting, and will the establishment of the Association of the Serbs Majority or new elections offer a possible compromise? What potential implications for Kosovo government and its Euro-Atlantic aspiration after the latest stances from the strategic allies?
Why the European future of the Balkans depends on Serbia? | A Debrief with Borut Pahor In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new European security order is being designed. After years of enlargement impasse, Brussels has recognized the pivotal role of the EU membership of the six Western Balkan countries. What future will the region have, and how can the influence of Russia be challenged in the Western Balkans?
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare talks to former Prime Minister and former President of Slovenia Borut Pahor, a friend and unrivaled connoisseur of the region about region's main challenges. What place will the six Western Balkan countries have in the new European security order?
Why is the EU enlargement process vital for the region, and what can be done to boost the confidence of the aspiring countries into the EU membership? Why is Serbia's decision to remain with the West rather than join Russia crucial for the region? Why is the implementation of the agreement to establish an Association of Serbs Municipalities important, and what impact will this agreement have on the relations between Serbia and Kosovo?
What's next after Bulgarian elections? A Debrief with Dimitar Bechev
Bulgaria's recent parliamentary elections marked a significant moment for the country after a two-year political deadlock, which had resulted in the need for a technocratic government. This election is seen as potentially having a significant impact on Bulgaria's relationship with the EU, particularly in terms of addressing corruption and upholding the rule of law.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined by Dimitar Bechev, Lecturer at Oxford School of Global and Area Studies on implications of another caretaker government for Bulgaria's economic and European outlooks.
What can be expected of the Bulgarian elections? What are the factors that contributed to political instability in Bulgaria? What is the public perception of the political deadlock? Can the outcome of the election impact bilateral dispute with North Macedonia?
Mediated by the European Union and supported by the United States, the Ohrid summit between Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is a historic opportunity to resolve a long-standing dispute between Serbia and Kosovo and accelerate the Euro-Atlantic integration process for both countries.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined by Jovana Radosavljevic, Executive Director of the New Social Initiative based in Mitrovica, in the north of Kosovo, and Visar Ymeri, Executive Director of the Institute for Social Policy "Musine Kokalari," to discuss the challenges of implementing a proposed agreement for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the expectations for the upcoming Ohrid Summit on March 19.
Why is a deal on normalizaiton of relations between Belgrade and Pristina important for the future of citizens in both countries? How should the Association of Majority-Serb Municipalities (ASM) in Kosovo function? What will the successful implementation of an agreement mean for Kosovo, Kosovo Serbs, and Serbia? How should the everyday needs of citizens be prioritized in the implementation process?
On February 27th, Serbia and Kosovo agreed that no further discussion are needed on the EU proposal for normalization of relations, which could potentially pave the way for the resolution of an unfinished conflict. The agreement was a step forward in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo with focus on guarantees and protection of legitimate rights of the Serbian community across the territory of Kosovo.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues, on this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the latest meeting in Brussels, details of the EU brokered plan, implementation of any future agreement, and the path forward.
What is expected from Serbia and Kosovo? Will these negotiations normalize the relations between the two countries? What are the main stumbling blocks? Is the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities based on any European model?
North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union has been delayed in the last two years due to disagreements with Bulgaria. The dispute centers around the identity of the Slavs in Macedonia and whether there is a istinctly Macedonian ethnicity and language.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined in this episode of #BalkansDebrief by Petar Todorov a historian and a member of the Bilateral Multidisciplinary Expert Commission for Historical and Educational questions between Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Bulgaria.
After 22 meetings of the joint Commission is a final agreement close? What are the chances of finding a “common ground” on historical narratives? Is it possible to adopt a pluralist view of history for north Macedonia and Bulgaria while maintaining the political legitimacy and national sovereignty? Why is the distinction between language and dialect so controversial between the two countries?
Even though the situation between Serbia and Kosovo is more tense than in recent memory, with the war in Ukraine as a backdrop, the broader situation in the region remains unchanged. As EU enlargement remains stalled, the best prospect for improving the lives of citizens in the region appears to be the private sector investment in economic development.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare is joined in this episode of #BalkansDebrief by Diana Gligorijevic, the co-founder of Telegroup Solutions, an IT Provider and telecommunication company in Serbia, and Mergim Cahani, the co-founder and the CEO of Gjirafa, US-registered company operating across Southeast Europe.
In this episode, Tare poses key questions on the regional investment climate, economic development, and the critical role of the private sector. What are main weaknesses and strengths of investing in the region, especially with unresolved bilateral issues? How do politics play a role in the investment climate? Have their businesses felt any impact from the heated political rhetoric?
Another end-of-year flare-up in the north of Kosovo was just the latest in a cycle of crisis that repeats itself every time a deadline for normalization is approaching or a new agreement is about to take effect between Kosovo and Serbia.
Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews Tim Judah, a journalist and author, in this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the role played by the Serbian President and the Prime Minister of Kosovo in reaching a normalization agreement acceptable to both parties. Tim Judah recently wrote an article titled "Will Kosovo war ever end?”, analyzing the cycle of instability and the role of regional leader’s in perpetuating it.
With the West appearing to pressure Prishtina to implement the Association of Serbian Municipalities, will Kosovar government agreed to the Western demands? What is the likelihood that parties agree to the Franco-German proposal? Beyond the Serbia-Kosovo standoff, what is the biggest challenge that the Western Balkans are currently facing?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has largely defined the year with the crises across the Western Balkans shaping against this grim backdrop. Even though the year-end leaves the region in an uncertain place, with tensions between Serbia and Kosovo at an all-time high, some positive developments ought to be noted.
Ilva Tare, Atlantic Council Europe Center's Nonresident Senior Fellow, speaks with Maja Piscevic, Nonresident Fellow, and Damir Marusic, Senior Fellow, at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, in this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the high and low points of the year and the challenges ahead for the region.
How significant is the EU's renewed commitment to the region's enlargement perspective? Is there a way out of the deadlock between Kosovo and Serbia? How can the United States and the EU work together in region? What are the chances for the Common Regional Market to be realized?
The recent EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana, Albania, was seen as a step in the right direction for reinvigorating the EU enlargement process. Is there a new political will for enlargement among the EU member states? How did the new geopolitical momentum following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine affect the membership prospects of the Western Balkan countries?
Ilva Tare, Atlantic Council Europe Center's Nonresident Senior Fellow, speaks with Paul Taylor, Senior Fellow for Peace, Security and Defence at Friends of Europe, in this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the next steps following the EU-Western Balkans summit.
Is the EU able to give the region a clear and realistic timeline for enlargement? Why is the region lacking developments funds? How can investments be used as a tool to encourage reform? What are the prospects for normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo?
With the Berlin Process summit in sight, the first headlines coming from Germany indicate that Berlin will deliver agreements signed by all six Western Balkans countries. Will these new regional dynamics produce long-term meaningful changes? Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Milan Nič, Senior Fellow at the German Council on the Foreign Relations, in this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the next steps for the Balkan countries following the implementation of these agreements. Can we expect an update on the Common Regional Market? Can the Open Balkan initiative work in tandem with the Berlin process, even though some countries oppose it? Is there a role for the US in the Berlin process?
The quest for freedom has long been the interest of political scholars and philosophers. Yet an 11-year-old girl in Albania began debating the issue with her parents while the streets of Tirana erupted with protests demanding freedom. That girl is Lea Ypi, a political theory professor at the London School of Economics and the author of the internationally acclaimed novel, “Free, coming of age at the end of Communism.” Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare talks with Lea Ypi in this episode of #BalkansDebrief about the meaning of democracy and why some democracies backslide into autocracies. How did people in Eastern Europe deal with the challenges of representation and democracy in the 1990s? What can history reveal about how post-communist countries dealt with the issue of memory? How can the recent rise of nationalism and populism in so-called established democracies be explained?
When German Chancellor Olaf Scholz broke the news of a Berlin Process 2.0, the Western Balkans’ hopes for a revival of European enlargement were revived. The Common Regional Market and the ‘four freedoms’ are at the heart of Berlin process, but previous negotiations broke down in Sofia due to differences between Serbia and Kosovo.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks with Manuel Sarrazin, the German Special Representative for the Western Balkans, about a potential breakthrough in November’s summit in the hopes of seeing concrete results and signed agreements between the six countries.
What are the challenges if there is a Common Regional Market deal? How will implementation work? Does the Open Balkan initiative have any role if Common Regional Market is adopted? Will the Berlin Process 2.0 provide support for youth and professionals from the region who are leaving the Balkans? Learn more on this episode of #BalkansDebrief with Ilva Tare.
While the United States is expected to bolster its political commitment to the Western Balkans through economic support, a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress aims to enhance those efforts by providing increased funding and technical assistance.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to Senator Jeanne Shaheen who is leading this bipartisan effort to bolster American leadership in the region, all the while keeping a close eye on events in the Western Balkans.
The Senator addresses concerns about Bosnia's future, questionable extension of the EUFOR mandate, and shares her impressions of the region after returning to the Western Balkans for the second time this year.
What is the view in the Senate on Serbia now that Serbia and Russia have agreed to align their foreign policies? How can the United States ensure Serbian alignment with the West? What is the United States doing to ensure renewal of the EUFOR mission. What role will the United States play in assisting Albania following the cyber-attacks launched in retaliation for the Iranian MEK's presence in the country?
Bosnian citizens voted for new representatives on October 2. Immediately after the polls closed the Office of the High Representative, led by Christian Schmidt, imposed a new election law requiring immediate implementation.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to Damir Marusic, Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, about the main takeaways of the elections.
What is next for Bosnia? Are the Dayton’s accords still relevant? Can Bosnia become a liberal non-ethnic democracy? Why is the West backing the OHR's decision, seen by critics as giving more power to the nationalists?
After a decade of attempts to reach an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, the EU and the US appear to have joined forces to find solutions for a long-lasting deal for the future of both countries. Thirteen policy experts from Serbia and Pristina authored a document proposing four likely scenarios.
Two political analysts who took part in the working group "Kosovo and Serbia by 2027" are interviewed by Ilva Tare in this edition of #BalkansDebrief.
Should we expect Prime Minister Kurti to settle for anything less than a full recognition of Kosovo? Will President Vucic give up the claim that Kosovo is Serbia? Can the West still act as a guarantor of a final deal between the two?
What is the likelihood that a new government will be formed in Montenegro following the vote of no-confidence? Why did Prime Minister Abazovic lose the parliamentary support? Did President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic play a role in the country's recent political unrest?
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks with Zeljko Pantelic, a Montenegrin foreign policy expert about the current political developments in Montenegro, country's EU path, and the Open Balkan Initiative.
Can the EU's negotiations be completed by 2025? Is there political will to fight organized crime and corruption? Is Russia a destabilizing force in Montenegro?
Another crisis between Kosovo and Serbia was averted following close involvement of the EU and the US officials in facilitating reciprocal recognition of ID cards. Conversation now moves forward under the auspices of the EU-facilitated Dialogue.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to the US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill, about Serbia's EU path, issues affecting the EU-facilitated dialogue, Serbia's choice between the West and the East & the US support for the Open Balkan initiative.
Will the United States push Serbia to fully align with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, and in particular, its stance on Ukraine? What is the sentiment in Belgrade about the recognition of Kosovo’s independence? How can the Open Balkan initiative facilitate regional cooperation and attract those skeptical countries in the regions to join?
Increased Russian intelligence activity and security threats over the last few weeks across the Western Balkans have troubled some NATO allied countries. Has Russia increased its activity in the region as a result of the war in Ukraine? In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to Fabian Zhilla, a Senior Fellow of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, about the national security threats posed by intelligence activities and cyber attacks. Are the Balkans prepared to fend off a hybrid war? Should the visa regime for the Russian citizens be revisited across the Balkans?
With general elections set to take place in October, the Bosnian political spectrum still has to reach an agreement to revise the electoral law. Why did the Office of High Representative's proposed changes to the electoral law start protests in Sarajevo?
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to Adnan Huskic, President of the Center for Election Studies, who says that implementing changes to the election law so late in the game would be a mistake, as the campaign has already started.
Is Bosnia facing a crisis again? Will the EUFOR mandate be extended in November? Are the US and the UK sanctions against Bosnian officials having an effect?
Escalation of tensions on the border between Kosovo and Serbia raised concerns in Europe and in the US about a potential spillover to the rest of the Balkans. In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks to Petrit Selimi, Former Foreign Minister of Kosovo and CEO of Millennium Foundation Kosovo, about the frictions that followed Kosovo's announcement of the reciprocity principle. Has the crisis been averted or postponed for a month? Will the involvement of EU Commission Vice President Borrell ensure continued dialogue between President Vucic and Prime Minister Kurti? Has Russian support for Serbia made the dialogue more difficult? How can regional cooperation in the Western Balkans be unlocked?
The start of membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia marked a milestone in the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans after many years of disappointment. In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare speaks with Pierre Mirel, Honorary Director General of the European Commission, on the impact of the new EU methodology in the accession talks. Has the EU's credibility been restored? Will the reversibility of the enlargement process work in practice? What is the staged accession approach, proposed by Mirel?
Russia's war in Ukraine has caused a tectonic shift in Europe and its periphery. It is time for decisive action from EU leaders to engage strategically in the Western Balkans.
Ilva Tare interviews Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy, on the opportunity for Western support in the region.
Can the United States engage more actively in the region? What role can the United States play in encouraging reforms in the Western Balkans? How can the next generation of young politicians and entrepreneurs committed to democratic values in the region be supported and encouraged by EU and US partners?
While Sofia accepted the French proposal to find a solution between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, protests erupted after the Skopje government decided to consider approving the demands before beginning EU accession talks. Ilva Tare discusses the origins of this dispute and the path forward for both countries with Dimitar Bechev, lecturer at Oxford's School of Global & Area Studies.
Is it possible for Bulgaria and North Macedonia to create a model for non-provocative national identity expression? Is the current crisis setting a precedent for future rounds of regional enlargement? Can the EU act as a guarantee for bilateral talks?
What will happen in the Western Balkans following the European Council's decision?
As Balkan leaders expressed their frustration with the enlargement impasse, they emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation. Ilva Tare, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, speaks with Maja Piscevic and Damir Marusic, Senior Fellows at the Europe Center with firsthand knowledge of the situation in the region.
Will the path forward for the six Balkan countries towards EU integration be via the Berlin Process 2.0 or the Open Balkan initiative? Can the concept of a European Geopolitical Community help to advance enlargement? If so, how?
What is the path forward for the stalled Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue?
As dialogue between the two countries is stalled and the region expects anxiously the EU Council decision on accession talks, Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences and a seasoned observer of the Western Balkans to continue the conversation on the future of the dialogue and EU enlargement.
This episode broadens the aperture on these issues: What is the sentiment of Serbian citizens on the recognition of the independent state of Kosovo? Does Serbia have the political will and leadership to make a final deal between Belgrade and Pristina? Will the EU make a bold decision on EU enlargement for the region?
What is the path forward for the stalled Belgrade–Pristina dialogue?
The dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo has stalled and the two countries seem to be in a state of unfinished conflict. The Europe Center’s Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks to Veton Surroi, a well know publicist and former politician from Kosovo, about the path forward for both countries.
What can be done to change the status quo and start a productive dialogue? Should Kurti’s government participate in regional and European initiatives? What should Kosovo do to make the most of the Berlin Process 2.0?
Will Bulgaria relinquish its veto over North Macedonia’s EU accession?
As the June European Council meeting is approaching, Bulgaria continues to block North Macedonia’s opening of accession negotiations with the EU. The Atlantic Council Europe Center’s Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Nikola Dimitrov on his expectations for this meeting.
Will the EU begin accession negotiations with North Macedonia after a 17 year wait for the country? Will Bulgaria's decision on North Macedonia have an impact on the Balkans' European dream? What are the different scenarios for moving forward European enlargement and is a two-staged accession a realistic idea?
What are the regional ramifications of Serbia's gas agreement with Russia?
The three-year agreement announced by Serbian President Vučić with Russia’s Gazprom is a sharp contrast to other EU and candidate countries that have joined the sanctions against Putin for his war in Ukraine. The Atlantic Council Europe Center’s Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews the Global Energy Center’s Olga Khakova on the ramifications of this agreement to Serbia, the region, and beyond.
What are the implications of this decision for Europe and the Balkans? What does Vucic’s gas deal with Putin signify for Serbia's relationship with Russia? Is the EU's oil-import ban enough to affect Putin's revenues which he uses to fund his war in Ukraine?
What is the future of EU enlargement?
While the EU enlargement process is stalled because of one country’s refusal to initiate accession talks with potential new members, old proposals for breaking the impasse are gaining popularity. The Atlantic Council Europe Center’s Nonresident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare interviews the European Stability Initiative’s Gerald Knaus on the two-stage EU accession idea.
What would it mean for Western Balkan countries to first join the EU's single market before becoming full EU member states? In which ways can candidate countries benefit from the EU's unified economic policies? Will EU leaders agree to reform the Union in a way that makes the accession process more realistic?